Turf cutters remain hopeful after meeting

TURF cutters at Moanvenlagh bog have described as ‘hopeful’ a meeting with the Minister for Culture, Heritage and The Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan on the future of turf cutting at the north Kerry bog.

The Dáil Eireann meeting was arranged by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae to try and reach a solution that would allow locals cut turf in a designated part of the bog, which was prohibited under a Statuary of Instruments law passed in September 2011 by the then-Minister Jimmy Deenihan.

Representatives at the meeting included Mick Looney, John Looney and Denis Scannell who say they are hopeful a solution can be found to a law that currently affects 30 turf cutters, some with cutting rights extending back to 1911.

“This is as much about culture as it is about cutting turf,” said Mick Looney.

The Quirke Tribunal was set up in 2012 to examine the restrictions to turf cutting and it looked at ways in which turf cutting and environmental laws could coexist. It also recommended that the EU re-examine the restrictions.

“Even though it’s been a frustrating wait, we’re pleased that the Minister told us the tests recommended under the Quirke Report will be finished by the end of April. The next stage will see if we can be accommodated at one end of the bog,” Mick added.

The delegation also thanked Deputy Healy Rae for his ‘interest and effort’ in their campaign.

“I’m basically looking to right the wrong that was done to the turf cutters and we remain hopeful that the Minister is now well disposed to what we’re looking for,” said Deputy Healy-Rae.

“We hope to finish up with a situation where they can cut turf in certain areas and by agreement. How long that’s going to take I can’t say, but the Minister has given us reason to be hopeful for the future,” he added.